Overview:

Results for the Region

What does our community want for itself? What are the results we want for ourselves, for our children, for our grandchildren, for this place we call home?

Our Results and Strategies, adopted in 2011, place an intentional focus on important areas of community life and create new opportunities to leverage all of our work for maximum impact. For each Result listed below, we have targeted Strategies and measurable objectives for the grants we make and the initiatives we support. We also promote and advocate positive community change in areas where other organizations are currently taking leadership roles, including neighborhood safety, domestic violence, transit and regional cooperation.

Grant Cycle 2

The Community Foundation offers 2 grant cycles each year. Brief Proposals submitted in Cycle 2 must address one of the two Results below and focus on one of the associated Strategies::

RESULT 3: Communities are sustainable, livable and vibrant

Applications for this Result should focus on one of the following strategies:

Expand and improve public green space

Improve the natural environment

Further develop vibrant city center for Birmingham

Expand access to arts and cultural opportunities

RESULT 4: Individuals and families are economically secure

Applications for this Result should focus on one of the following strategies:

Improve housing stability

Increase public policy changes that positively impact low income individuals and families

Grants may involve a funding commitment of one to three years depending on the scope and purpose of the grant. Applicants will request a grant term and amount at the Brief Proposal stage; CFGB may adjust the term and amount for applicants advancing to the Full Proposal stage.

Typically, multi-year commitments:

involve a very active relationship between CFGB and the grantee throughout the duration of the grant

are made to applicants with a proven track record in delivering programs and services that are clearly relevant to a specific Result Strategy

One-year grantees are also expected to work closely with CFGB and report on schedule, but the multi-year grant requires a more sustained commitment. In all cases, applicant organizations should have a proven track record in delivering programs relevant to one or more of CFGB’s Result Strategies or should be wellpositioned to do so based on the experience and qualifications of key personnel.

Amount to Request

As a general rule, we prefer requests that do not exceed 25% of the budget for the program/project/activity the proposal is seeking support for. This will signal to our committee and board that this proposal has a diversified base of support and some measure of community buy-in. NOTE: Emerging organizations with documented revenue of less than $25,000 are limited to requesting a Seed Grant of no more than $5,000

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Eligibility:

Who can apply for a grant?

Nonprofits that are headquartered in Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair or Walker counties.

If based outside of these counties, then the organization must demonstrate that a majority of customers /beneficiaries are located in these counties.

Are classified as a 501 (c)(3) public charity in good standing.

Note: Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Further, governmental entities are generally eligible to receive a distribution of funds from CFGB, but proof of the applying organization’s status as a government entity should be provided.

Ineligibility:

CFGB does not make grants for general or ongoing operating support.

In order to maximize our charitable donor funds, CFGB does not accept project budgets that include unspecified indirect costs, including flat indirect cost rates.

CFGB will consider reasonable administrative expenses provided these expenses are deemed necessary for project success, are presented as specific line items in the project budget, and are justified in a budget narrative.

No grants are made to or for:

Individuals

Religious organizations for religious purposes

National fundraising drives

Sponsorship of fundraising events

Political organizations or candidates for public office

Scholarship or endowment funds

Debt reduction

Scholarship or campership programs

Replacement of government funding cuts

Organizations that require the services of fiscal agent in order to receive funds

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Our Mission

Nonprofits and academics are accelerating social progress and innovation. It's time for a lack of funding to stop getting in the way. We built Instrumentl to help you move the world forward, one project at a time.